Understanding Practice Integration

Every veterinary practice is unique, but most have a team of people who perform different tasks, different rooms or buildings in which these tasks are performed and different types of information generated by those tasks.

The degree to which the people, the rooms or buildings and the information are integrated makes a big difference in the success of your practice. If one part is working independently from the others, the overall efficiency of your practice is compromised. In this case:

  • Diagnostic tests may be performed that don’t appear on the patient invoice.
  • Inventory can be depleted but not logged in the practice management system.
  • A digital image might be captured but not attached to the patient record.

 

In a disconnected practice environment, work flow inefficiencies can result in overworked, stressed staff members who have less time to spend with patients because they serve as connection points between the various parts of the practice.

  • A technician has to walk to the other side of the building to ask a doctor about proper treatment protocol.
  • When lab results come in, someone has to find the correct patient record and attach a piece of paper to the file.
  • When an in-house test is performed, someone has to remember to manually add it to the invoice.

 

In a connected or “integrated” practice environment, each part is electronically connected to the next. Staff members don’t serve as connection/communication points between various clinic areas.

  • The office manager can enter patient data in reception and automatically send it to every computer throughout the practice.
  • Technicians can operate multiple diagnostic instruments from one computer screen.
  • Veterinarians can order a test in the lab and know that the fee was automatically added to the patient invoice in reception.

 

In an IDEXX Integrated Practice, SmartLink technology enables two-way data communication between practice equipment, software and online services. This improves the flow of information, the pace of work, medical care and, ultimately, client loyalty.

  • All test results are automatically downloaded into the electronic patient record and consolidated into a single report.
  • Treatment protocols automatically pop up on a computer screen, prompting staff to perform recommended tests and procedures.
  • Paper file storage and missed charges are virtually eliminated.
  • Your entire staff is empowered and mobilised.